Channel usernames to come to WhatsApp (days after Signal introduced profile usernames)،
It’s the start of the week and WhatsApp has something new: soon users will be able to set usernames for channels in the popular messaging app.
WhatsApp’s plans come to light just days after another messaging app – Signal – announced it was testing public usernames for individuals (via Android Police). Using usernames instead of phone numbers increases anonymity.
The last time we discussed WhatsApp and the possibility of introducing a username instead of number feature was back in May. At the time, it was rumored that WhatsApp could enable usernames and thus make it more secure by no longer needing to reveal one’s phone number to other WhatsApp contacts.
Six months later, things have changed a little. On the WABetaInfo site there is information that WhatsApp (this is beta for Android version 2.23.24.17) will not accept profile usernames (for now; this feature is still in progress development, but saved for later in the future), but usernames might arrive on channels.
This feature is under development, so it is not ready for beta testers, but you can get a preview of it, as there is a WABetaInfo preview, here it is:
“We believe this feature brings significant benefits to the user experience. Users will be able to share channel information more consistently using usernames, as this finally eliminates the need to share complex channel links. Additionally, channels can establish a more recognizable presence by having a unique username. We think this is especially beneficial for anyone who wants to build a distinct identity and make their channel easily accessible,” says the WABetaInfo team.
WhatsApp Ads Should Stay Out of the Inbox
The other day, WhatsApp once again reassured users that they won’t see ads in the popular messaging app – at least not in their chat inbox section.
In an interview with Brazilian media, WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart explained the future of the application and how Meta, which acquired WhatsApp, makes money with the free WhatsApp application.
When asked about displaying ads in the app, Cathcart stressed that the company “will not place ads in the inbox or chats.”
“We don’t think it’s the right model. People, when they open their inbox, don’t want to see advertising,” he said. However, the executive does not rule out the idea of WhatsApp showing ads in other parts of the app.
